10 things to do in Victoria this May
This May, indulge your senses in everything Greater Victoria has to offer. Whether you’re savouring Mother’s Day treats, exploring fragrant gardens, or taking in the iconic Victoria Day parade, each moment here invites you to connect more deeply with the place and its people.
Mother’s Day
Sunday, May 10th is Mother’s Day, and in Victoria, we believe that every mom deserves the royal treatment (at least once per year!) and there’s no better place to celebrate mom than in the city built for a Queen. Spend the day surrounded by gardens soaking in the music of the Victoria Conservatory of Music during their 44th Annual Mother’s Day Musical Garden Tour. Stop by the farm at Bilston Creek Farm from May 9-11th for a Mother’s Day Market experience like no other, while you shop for handcrafted gifts. Dig into Mother’s Day brunch at Fireside Grill, enjoying one of the city’s favourite meals while nestled in a Heritage Home. Or treat your mom like the flower she is with a Mother’s Day lunch buffet at The Butchart Gardens, a National Historic Site of Canada, in their famed Blue Poppy Restaurant for a selection of assorted charcuterie & cheese, fresh seafood, & delicious hot items made with locally sourced produce.
International Museum Day
In a city ten-thousand years in the making, there are certainly some stories to tell. Greater Victoria is rich with museums to be seen and explored, with a range of everything from diving into our proud maritime history to meeting the mavericks who soared through the skies above. This International Museum Day (May 18th), go on a fascinating discovery of our city’s rich history. Uncover the province’s past at the Royal BC Museum, discover the roots of Canada’s oldest Chinatown at the Victoria Chinatown Museum, or explore the Victorian era through the lens of an aristocratic family at Craigdarroch Castle Historic House Museum.
Thrifty Foods 126th Anniversary Victoria Day Parade
Enjoy a celebration named for a Queen in a city fit for one. The Thrifty Foods Victoria Day Parade returns for its 126th anniversary, marching through downtown Victoria in a vibrant showcase of culture, community, and local talent. This world‑class event kicks off on May 18 at 9:00 a.m., following a new route that begins in the heart of the city’s iconic Inner Harbour at Belleville and Government Street, before continuing along Douglas Street. With colourful floats, marching bands, and community groups lining the route, it’s a joyful way to welcome the long weekend and celebrate Victoria’s rich traditions.
Teatime
Pinkies up! It’s International Tea Day on May 21st, and there’s so many ways to celebrate in Greater Victoria. Enjoy a gardenside afternoon tea experience at The Butchart Gardens or Abkhazi Garden, sip your steep at the Castle on the Coast - The Fairmont Empress, or settle down for a Victorian era experience at the Pendray Tea House. While you explore the region’s tea scene, you’ll certainly want to slow down, sip, and savour every moment. Looking to bring the flavours of Victoria home with you? Stop by Silk Road Tea, and grab a selection from Canada’s Queen of Tea, or visit Murchie’s Tea and Coffee who have been serving British Columbian’s loose leaf for over 130 years.
163rd Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival
Feel the skirl of the bagpipes and the thud of the caber at the 163rd Victoria Highland Games & Celtic Festival from May 9-17, one of the city’s most spirited May traditions. This beloved celebration brings Scottish and Celtic culture to life with lively music, colourful kilts, highland dancing, and awe‑inspiring feats of strength. It all kicks off with the Tartan Parade on Saturday, May 9, followed by the Tilted Kilt Pub Crawl and a full weekend of Highland games on May 16 & 17.
This year, Victoria also hosts the 2026 Scottish Highland Games Women’s World Championship, the first time it's ever been held in Canada, featuring iconic events like the caber toss and hammer throw.
Esquimalt Buccaneers Days
Arrr mateys, avast ye, Esquimalt Buccaneer Days returns for a weekend of swashbucklin’ family fun from May 8-10th. Landlubbers beware, this here festival be celebratin’ our grand maritime and naval past! The whole town be donning naval and pirate garb, with scallywags and shipmates alike competin' fer the finest costume treasure! Shiver me timbers, each mornin’ the good folk of Esquimalt be roused at the crack of dawn by a boomin’ loudspeaker bellowin’, “Wakey, Wakey!”. Don't ye dare miss the grand parade, happenin' on Saturday, May 9th, or ye may be forced to walk the plank! Savvy?
Swan Lake 31st Annual Native Plant Sale
Celebrate spring by planting for the future at the Swan Lake 31st Annual Native Plant Sale. This much‑loved May event invites gardeners of all levels to browse a diverse selection of locally grown native plants while learning how to support pollinators, birds, and biodiversity at home. Set within the peaceful grounds of Swan Lake Nature Sanctuary, the sale is a meaningful way to give back with 100% of proceeds supporting local conservation efforts.
Local tip: After exploring the plant sale, wander the 2.5-kilometer loop around Swan Lake filled with over 200 bird species and a high diversity of other wildlife.
ICHIGO Strawberry Market
Inspired by the arrival of fresh strawberries from local Saanich farms, the lively, family-friendly ICHIGO Strawberry Market brings together 130+ artists, chefs, and designers, on May 30 & 31 at the Fernwood Community Centre. The market will feature new vendors rotating each day, over 20 chefs serving up creative bites and traditional Ichigo Daifuku and tea from the Chado Tea Ceremony Group. Play traditional Japanese games, sing karaoke, try hands‑on activities, discover local art, and celebrate the sweetness of the season.
Design Victoria
Calling all creatives! The Design Victoria festival takes over the city for four days of inspiration and awe. From April 30th to May 3rd, you can explore dozens of mostly free events exploring the city’s creative and design sector. Stop in for talks, such as “Living in Colour” or “Urbanism in Action”, pop by an open studio, or get hands-on with a workshop such as “Design Thinking Jam” where small groups bring ideas to life from concept to prototype. There’s a reason why Victoria is known in Canada, and world-wide, as hub for artisans, creators, makers, and artists. Come see why!
Dumpling Fest Victoria
Dumpling lovers won’t want to miss Dumpling Fest Victoria on Wednesday, May 27, from 5:00 to 9:00 pm, a self‑guided evening food tour celebrating the many cultures that call Victoria home. Presented by Tasting Plates Food Tours, the event invites guests to sample dumplings and dumpling‑inspired dishes at a variety of local restaurants throughout downtown. Expect flavours from around the world, with tasting plates that may include everything from soup dumplings and momos to mandu and tamales. Sample participating restaurants at your own pace and enjoy a delicious way to explore the city; one bite at a time.
Bonus! More great events this May
Victoria Pet Expo
Pet lovers, mark your calendars! The Victoria Pet Expo returns to the Pearkes Recreation Centre on May 2 & 3, bringing two tail‑wagging days of learning, play, and community celebration. This lively, family‑friendly event invites visitors to explore pet‑focused exhibits, interactive workshops, and expert‑led talks covering everything from wellness and behaviour to DIY care tips. With shopping from local vendors, hands‑on activities, and plenty of opportunities to meet fellow animal lovers, it’s the perfect place to celebrate the special bond between people and their pets.
Quadra Village Day 2026
Neighbourhood spirit takes centre stage at Quadra Village Day on May 9th with a joyful, free celebration that brings locals and visitors together in the heart of one of Victoria’s most creative communities. Kings Road comes alive with live music, performances, interactive art, kids’ activities, and a welcoming pancake breakfast that sets the tone for the day. It’s a feel‑good May tradition where neighbours connect, creativity shines, and the community truly shows up for one another.
Visiting from Washington?
Make this Mother's Day extra special and treat your mom (or mother figure) with a getaway to Victoria, BC! Exclusive package savings are available the entire month of May. Overnight packages starting from $129 USD pp/do include ferry fare and a hotel stay in Victoria.
Victoria is synonymous with exploration. A coastal city embedded in a stunning natural landscape, the southern-most part of Vancouver Island is a masterful infusion of culture, nature, and culinary delights. From iconic tours to uncharted adventures, Greater Victoria has so much to discover.
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